The Maryland STARS were created in 1997 as a way to provide players with a chance to play at the highest level of fastpitch softball, develop player's skills and fundamentals, increase the experience of the players, and provide a program for future players for many years to come.

In their first year of existence the STARS organized both a 14&under and 16&under team. The16&under team finished a miraculous 2nd in the NSA Maryland State Tournament and participated in the NSA World Series in Columbus, OH. In their second year the STARS added a 12&under team to their organization and all three teams faired well. The 12&under team twice qualified for the NSA World Series, but chose not to participate. The 14&under team not only played well during the season, but after qualifying for the NSA World Series in Chattanooga, TN, they promptly won 3 games against the best teams in the US and Canada and finished in the top 20. The 16&under team ranked 3rd in the state of Maryland by the NSA ranking system and played in both the NSA World Series and the PONY National in Sterling, VA.

In their next year of participation, the STARS teams continued to prosper. All three teams earned berths to the PONY National in Sterling, VA. Both the 14&under and 16&under teams participated. The 14&under team played very well but lost 3 games by a total of 4 runs and was eliminated in a close game from the tournament by the eventual champion, the Pittsburgh Spirit Gold.

As the years went by, the STARS added an 18&under team (has had top 10 finishes in PONY Nationals and a 2nd place finish in 2006 in the NSA World Series) and then a 10&under team (which has faired very well -- twice finishing 5th in the PONY Nationals and finishing 2nd in the 2006 PONY Nationals). The STARS now commonly field at least one team at all age groups and two at 12&under, 14&under, and 16&under. Since then the STARS teams have placed in over 150 tournaments, winning many, and routinely qualified and participated in National tournaments sanctioned by ASA, USSSA, PONY, NSA, Triple Crown, AFA, and others. The STARS have had top 10 finishes in the PONY Nationals and NSA World Series. http://www.marylandstars.org/pages/common/trophies.htm

STARS teams have traveled to tournaments in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Florida, Montreal, Canada, Colorado .

STARS players are routinely named to their High School All-Star teams, conference, metro-area, and county Player of the Year award, etc. STARS players have be instrumental in Maryland State championships at Westminster High School and Damascus High School. Conference, Metro-area, and County player of the year awards have gone to Meredith Carter (Francis Scott Key) , Jessica Wides (Damascus), Stephanie Sims (Glenelg) , Nicole Moeller (Westminster) , Stacy Davis (twice - Westminster ), Lauren Brenneman (Central York), Megan Lahner (Westminster), and Stephanie Speierman (Hammond) . Countless STARS players have been named to their respective All-Star teams. With the development of the STARS program, many players have furthered their softball experience by playing in college.

As of 2007, 39 STARS players have gone on to play at the collegiate level. Some have enjoyed great success at this level. Jessica Wides (Towson) was named NEC Player of the Year. Ashley Martin (Frostburg) was named Newcomer of the Year and awarded a Silver Slugger Award as a freshman. Meredith Carter (Bridgewater), Stacey Malarkey (Salisbury), Christy Schaefer (Salisbury), Alexa Ashwell (Millersville), Ali Silver (Dennison), Stephanie Sims (Shepherd) have been named to their respective all-conference teams. Julia Popovich (Lock Haven) started in the outfield and batted leadoff for the NCAA D-II National Champions. Ali Silver has played for the Israeli National team.

With so many players progressing through the STARS program and aging out of the 18&under age group, in 2006 the STARS added a team for players 18&over. This team competes if 5-7 local tournaments per season and allows the girls turned women a chance to continue playing into their adult years.

As the program has grown, the STARS have continued to better the features of the program. The STARS organize annual pitching clinics with local experts in their field, Bill Dryden, Jack Crandell, Samantha Abrams, and previously with Jim Rhinehart before he passed away. The STARS also bring in Ernie Parker and Joe Matthews 2-3 times each year to provide intensive weekend pitching clinics.

For catchers the STARS have hosted numerous Jaime Wohlbach-run clinics. Jaime is a player for the Philadelphia Force professional team and provides a fast paced, up tempo, instructive clinic.

The STARS now provide an annual scholarship program for players who have participated in the program for a continuous period of time and upon graduation from high school and who are continuing their education. http://www.marylandstars.org/pages/publicity/2006/scholarship.htm

The STARS teams continue to compete at the highest levels of softball in the area and continue to provide an environment where the players learn, gain valuable experience, make memories and new friendships.

Through it all the STARS have been blessed to have many giving, hard-working and unselfish volunteers who have looked out for the best interests of the players and put their desires and egos aside. More information about the STARS can be found at www.marylandstars.org or by contacting Glen Warholic at gawarho@marylandstars.org or 443-745-3177.